Lung Cancer Diagnosis & Detection
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At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our team of cancer doctors uses sophisticated, minimally invasive technology to detect tumors deep inside the lungs, and to determine the type and stage of lung cancer. With our advanced lung cancer screening tools, we are able to precisely diagnose the disease (including any metastases) from the earliest stage possible. This helps us to formulate an individualized treatment plan that is best suited for your needs.
During your first visit, you’ll undergo a comprehensive exam to determine whether the lung cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or any other part of the body. If you’ve been treated at another hospital, we will make sure that you have received the correct lung cancer diagnosis.
Throughout your treatment, we will use diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests to monitor how the lung cancer is responding. If the cancer is resisting treatment, we will modify your treatment plan or recommend using a different therapy.
Lung Cancer Diagnostic Tools, Tests & Procedures
The first step in diagnosing lung cancer is often a physical examination. Your doctor may listen to your breathing using a stethoscope, and examine your chest for common signs of cancer such as lymph node swelling. Your doctor may also order blood tests, to check for abnormal levels of certain biochemicals in order to learn more about the cancer and your general health.
During the lung cancer screening process, we’ll also perform a complete array of pulmonary function testing (PFT) to measure your lung capacity and how well you can breathe in and out. If you have a cough, your doctor may ask you to provide a sample of mucus, called a sputum cytology. The sputum will be examined under a microscope for cancerous cells.
Imaging and Biopsy Procedures
After you’ve been evaluated for lung function and any other symptoms you are experiencing, your care team will use a variety of advanced imaging tests to check for tumors in the lungs and elsewhere in the body. We'll also perform a biopsy to make an accurate and final lung cancer diagnosis.
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